MLB New York Yankees: No Reason to Be Excited for Jesus Montero

Before he becomes another Joba Chamberlain, trade him for the sake of the organization.

I still don't understand why Montero causes so much excitement: he's not fast, he has improved in his defense but not much, and he fails to hit against even 40-man roster pitchers as proved in spring training.

What's even worse? He hasn't improved much at the Triple-A level. Here's the comparison:

2010:

AB- 453

2B- 34

HR- 21

AVG- .289

BB- 46

2011:

AB- 409

2B- 19

HR- 17

AVG- .289

BB- 35

I'm not a nuclear physics person or whatever they're called, but the stats tell the truth: there aren't significant differences from last year. If he hasn't increased production in what he is known for, what makes people expect Montero to have better production than from this past spring training?

Even if he turns out to be a 30-40 home runs middle of the lineup power hitter, there is the possibility he will decline due to the stress it puts on the body to be an everyday catcher. The DH position is already occupied mostly by Alex Rodriguez especially in the future, and there is no chance that he can be moved.

That just took out his catcher value: he might become one of the above average hitters in the league, perhaps one of the best, but I'm content with the outfield as it is. Granderson has become a MVP candidate, Gardner provides speed for a team that excels in the stolen base category, and Swisher is the heart of the clubhouse (not to mention a good No. 2 hitter, or a guy with some pop at the bottom of the lineup).

And that's not all, there are great alternates to Jesus Montero, and what can be done with him.

For example, a better well rounded player in Austin Romine is the better option for the long run. Take care of the catcher position: check.

So what to do with Montero? He can be the centerpiece of a deal for a solid pitcher—at least one more reliable than A.J. Burnett. Bartolo Colon is also showing signs of aging, so a solid pitcher behind C.C. Sabathia might solve the Yankees' problem in pitching.

Sure, I'll regret it if he turns out to be a next Alex Rodriguez type offensive player, especially for another team, but for now, I'll stick to my opinion.